Question

Name the two stages in photosynthesis.

Answer 1

The process of photosynthesis is divided into two main parts.

1. Stage One: Light Reactions
2. In the light-dependent process, which takes place in the grana, the stacked membrane structure within chloroplasts, light's direct energy helps the plant make molecules that carry energy for utilization in the dark phase of photosynthesis.
   
3. The plant uses light energy to generate the co-enzyme Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, or NADP, H, and ATP, the molecules that carry energy.
   
4. The chemical bonds in these compounds store the energy and are used during the dark phase.

2. Stage Two: Dark Reactions

1. The dark phase, which takes place in the stroma and dark when the molecules that carry energy are present, is also known as the Calvin cycle or C3 cycle.
   
2. The dark phase uses the ATP and NADPH generated in the light phase to make C-C covalent bonds of carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water, with the chemical ribulose biphosphate or RuBP, a 5-C chemical capturing the carbon dioxide.
   
3. Six carbon dioxide molecules enter the cycle, producing one molecule of glucose or sugar.

Diagram:

Diagram: Light and dark reactions of photosynthesis.